The Taliban, an austere Sunni militant group that ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, has been fighting US-led and Afghan forces since they were removed after the September 11, 2001, attacks on US targets.

The Taliban, made up mainly of ethnic Pashtuns, have often targeted Shi'as, whom they see as infidels who deserve to die.

Many of the Hazaras - believed to be descended from Mongol invaders - suffered enormously under Taliban rule and the Shi'a minority saw many of its communities levelled.

Many were killed and buried in mass graves or thrown into wells. Tens of thousands were jailed. They still believe they are treated as second-class citizens and that President Hamid Karzai has done little to improve their lot. - Reuters